Industrial robot controller
Also known as: scara robot controller, robotic welder programmer, industrial robot setter, robot welder programmer, industrial robot test technician, industrial robot operator
About this occupation
Industrial robot controllers operate and monitor industrial robots used in automation processes to perform various manufacturing activities such as lifting, welding and assembling. They ensure that the machines are working correctly and in sync with other industrial robots, maintain and repair defective parts, assess risks and perform tests.
Essential skills and knowledge
- adjust manufacturing equipment
- automation technology
- set up machine controls
- maintain control systems for automated equipment
- perform machine maintenance
- wear appropriate protective gear
- robotic components
- perform risk analysis
- maintain robotic equipment
- monitor automated machines
- production processes
- set up the controller of a machine
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Robotics Engineers (O*NET 17-2199.08). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
- Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
- Debug robotics programs.
- Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
- Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
- Provide technical support for robotic systems.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.5)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Microsystems Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Automotive Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Software Developers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.